KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — After more than a decade since it first applied for membership, Timor-Leste has officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), becoming the regional bloc’s 11th member.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão hailed the country’s accession as “not only a dream realized, but a powerful affirmation of our journey — one marked by resilience, determination and hope.”

“For ASEAN, it is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny,” Gusmão said in his remarks during the formal announcement.

He expressed gratitude to ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Chair, the ASEAN Secretariat, and dialogue partners for their support throughout the process.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has supported Timor-Leste’s bid for ASEAN membership, welcomed the development, calling it a historic milestone for Southeast Asia that reflects ASEAN’s enduring commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with all member states to build a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable future for our people,” Marcos said.

Gusmão recounted Timor-Leste’s long journey since its application in 2011, emphasizing the reforms and institutional strengthening that led to its successful accession.

“We have prepared our institutions, reformed our policies, and strengthened our readiness — guided by the wisdom, support, and patience of ASEAN and its partners,” he said.

“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people — a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” he added.

Natural affiliation

The Timorese leader said his country joins ASEAN “with humility and pride,” fully embracing the bloc’s core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and regional solidarity.

“We see ASEAN membership as both a natural affiliation — rooted in our culture and geography — and a strategic imperative for our nation’s future,” Gusmão said.

“Timor-Leste enters ASEAN with full commitment to its Charter, ready to be a constructive, peaceful, and devoted member. We pledge to work with all member states to keep our region peaceful, open and prosperous.”

He said the country is entering “a new beginning filled with immense opportunities in trade, investment, education, and the digital economy.”

“We are ready to learn, to innovate, and to uphold good governance, strengthening our institutions as we walk together toward sustainable development,” Gusmão added.

He described the event as “the beginning of an inspiring new chapter,” noting that Timor-Leste is eager to help advance the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 — “a peaceful, prosperous, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN.”

“On this day of pride and celebration, I speak not only as a Prime Minister, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste and all Timorese people, but now as a fellow member of the ASEAN family,” he said.

In May, then-Justice Secretary and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN could face complications after its justice system refused the Philippine government’s request to extradite expelled representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves for multiple murders.

In that same month, Timor-Leste would deport Teves, but without referencing Remulla’s threat as the reason for the extradition.